Page 15 of To Cuddle A Gremlin (Monsters in Love Side Stories #1)

CHAPTER 15

Crash: Kazmier, I think… We have to stop this flirting thing.

Kazmier: Oh? Explain.

Crash: I just… I’m not trying to lead you on. I like this other person IRL, and I don’t want any dishonesty between us. You know?

Kazmier: Oh, hun. You are just too sweet. I won’t flirt with you anymore. I swear. Tell me about this guy.

Crash: … Are you sure?

Kazmier: Yup, I want to hear about the person who stole your heart. Talk to me, Goose.

Crash: He’s really nice, and he hears me. He doesn’t let me hide. I feel as though I can trust him to not hurt me.

Kazmier: You’re right. Can’t compete with that. Good luck, friend. I promise I won’t flirt with you anymore… solemn and that shit.

S ebastian touched the screen and smiled. The rhythm of Kazmier’s words was familiar, but he couldn’t place a finger on why. But to have him at his back gave him such a sense of relief. He set his iPad on the coffee table and scratched Tiger behind the ears before standing. He had a date tonight with Charles. Spending time with someone other than Isadore was Isadore’s idea. Sebastian had thought the concept was odd, but Isadore insisted.

Sebastian didn’t know Charles well and just through his grandmother. As he was one of Isadore’s best friends, Sebastian agreed. This plan was to make Isadore happy while he recuperated. Sebastian had his misgivings about everything and how well Isadore was feeling. His leg gave him pains when he walked on tricky sidewalks, but Lord Typhon was sure in time Isadore would be racing up the hiking trails.

Charles suggested the Christmas pantomime, which was a real treat. The local theatre always put on a good show, and Sebastian enjoyed supporting the local actors. Yet going out in public in a massive group gave Sebastian a spike of anxiety.

The phone rang as though it realized Sebastian was having a crisis of faith. Whose harebrained idea was it to go out with someone other than Isadore? This was insane. His bad date karma was itching to blow up because, obviously, he was having an evening out with the wrong fucking person. Oh my God. He was going to break Charles. Isadore should never have suggested this. His leg must have muddled his thoughts to even propose such a scheme. “Hello?”

“Sebastian? This is Charles. I was hoping we could set up some concrete times. Isadore gave me your number.”

“Ah, I see. Yeah, I can chat.” Sebastian ran a hand over his head as he settled back on his couch. Tiger perked up from his spot before snuggling down again. “It was your idea to go to the panto? I went last year, and I had so much fun.”

“Yeah, I helped with set design, so I’m excited to see how the cast does. They always do an interesting twist to traditional stories. This year, a bunch of cryptids volunteered, so we’ve had a lot of fun integrating their legends with our stories. Did you know a lot of their winter solstice stories are in line with ours? So fascinating.” Charles’s excitement was infectious. Sebastian smiled and leaned against the couch cushion. He could see what made Isadore fond of him.

“I did not, so I'm intrigued to see the show. What day were you thinking?” Sebastian scratched Tiger’s back, wishing he was talking with Isadore. His conversation with Kazmier, his epiphany of wanting to be with Isadore, opened his eyes. Maybe everything he thought was a barrier was just him being scared. God, was he that much of a wimp?

“Saturday night. I have free tickets from being a member of the crew. I hope that’s okay?”

Sebastian hesitated. Saturday nights meant larger crowds, more chances to embarrass himself and his date. “Sounds fantastic. I can meet you at the theatre after work.”

“Great. I’ll see you then. Thank you for this. Harry was my other option, and he’s a terrible theatregoer.” Charles hung up the phone, and Sebastian was left alone, worrying this might be a bad idea. Charles was a friend. This was time spent outside his home, which was supposedly healthy. No one was going to get hurt. Sebastian might even enjoy himself.

The phone rang again, startling both Tiger and Sebastian. Two calls in one night? No one ever phoned him. He wasn’t—no, that was a negative thought. Sebastian wasn’t going to rehash anything about karma or bad luck. “Hello?”

“My darling. I miss you. Have you missed me?” Isadore’s whiskey-dark voice smoothed away the rough edges of Sebastian’s nerves.

“I saw you this morning when I was getting coffee.” Sebastian fell back against the soft couch and stared up at the ceiling. Talking to Isadore on the phone was a lot easier this way. The added pressure of being together physically dissipated.

“I know, but it was so short. And you were running late. I didn’t get my fix,” Isadore whined. Even his pathetic tone made Sebastian blush.

“I’m sorry. I just…”

“Nah, don’t apologize. So… I tried calling but got a busy signal,” Isadore trailed off, riding over Sebastian’s stammer.

“Oh, that was Charles. We were confirming details about our… I feel awful sharing this with you. Are you sure this is a good idea?” Sebastian scrunched his hand nervously in Tiger’s fur. He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. Isadore might be a go for the plan, but Sebastian’s second thoughts were having their own third ones.

“Yes, absolutely. You will see what a wonderful date you are and that not everything can go wrong. It doesn’t hurt that Charles wants to do this. He’s a bit of a loner, and this theatre business makes him happy. Gets him out of the house,” Isadore replied.

Sebastian wrinkled his brow at the statement. “Won’t people think that I’m two-timing you?”

“Who? Everyone who’s met you knows you’d never do that. Same with Charles. You’ve been reading too much.”

“I have not. And you can never read too much. Reading is good for the soul. You should read a book or two,” Sebastian shot back, his dignity taking the hit.

“Oh? Really? Who says I don’t read?” Isadore’s voice changed, and it sent shivers down Sebastian’s spine. The sound was rough and growly, creating lightning sparks everywhere.

“You just did!” Sebastian squawked. If he remained indignant, Isadore wouldn’t know his voice affected Sebastian in a sexy way.

“No, I just said that you read too much–”

“Which is the same as not reading enough. Only people who don’t read feel that way.” Sebastian pulled his feet up on the couch while he reclined. Talking on the phone was fun. Teasing Isadore gave Sebastian joy and sent the butterflies in his stomach fluttering. God, Isadore’s words caused the fluttering to move up into his heart and spread joy throughout his whole self.

“The point I was trying to make before you derailed me–thank you very much–is from what I’ve observed, friends go on friend dates without their significant others on evenings such as your panto. No one gets called out. It’s all in good fun, which is what I want the most from you. For you to enjoy yourself. And I think Charles will help you. He’s not overwhelming, and he can read a person like no one’s business. Be glad I didn’t suggest Harry.”

“I like Harry.”

“Me too. But Charles is a better fit.”

They continued to chat for another twenty minutes before Sebastian got antsy. Being on the phone wasn’t his favourite thing, even if it was Isadore on the other side.

“Enjoy your date with Charles. I’ll be dreaming of you,” Isadore said in a raspy voice.

“You could come, you know?” The words popped out of his mouth before Sebastian finished the thought in his head.

“No, darling. This is for you. I’d just get in the way, and we don’t want me to distract you. Thank you. That you extended the invitation means so much.” Isadore rebuffed Sebastian’s suggestion. “I will see you for breakfast on the Sunday after.”

“Oh? Okay, I didn’t realize that was a thing.” Sebastian sat up, waking Tiger with his abrupt movements.

“It is now. We need to dish about all the details, right? So I’ll see you on Sunday morning,” Isadore explained. “Bye, Bastian. Have fun with Charles.”

“Bye.”

Saturday came and along with it the nerves. Sebastian stood outside the theatre doors while he waited for Charles. Familiar carols cheerfully played on the outdoor speaker system, drawing in the attendees. The Christmas season was upon them. Snowflake lights adorned every streetlight and brightened the atmosphere.

“There you are! I was hoping I’d beat you here, but parking was tragic.” Charles gasped as he bent over to catch his breath. “What about you?”

Sebastian smiled. “I only had to walk down the street. But yeah, with the show tonight and the Sip ’n Shop event, the whole town came. It's so nice to see how happy everyone is after the last couple of seasons.”

“Were you able to get to the Light Up Night?” Charles asked as they waited in line.

“No, with Isadore’s leg, I thought it’d be better to stay away.” Not going to the nighttime festival had been a bone of contention between Isadore and Sebastian. Isadore wanted to prove to Sebastian he was stable enough to enjoy the evening despite his broken leg by attending. Though Sebastian had been okay about Isadore’s leg, the slick sidewalk and his not-so-terrible curse caused him so much more anxiety.

“He’s been grumpier than a bear with a thorn,” Charles said before passing his receipt to the ticket collector. “Thank you, love.”

Sebastian handed his coat and mitts to the person at coat check and adjusted his sweater. The lobby was full as they gaped at the decorations dotting every conceivable surface. Every surface was silver and gold with animals from the North Pole. The theme was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

“You did a fantastic job!”

“Aww, this wasn’t just me. A lot of the other members of my team had the ideas.” Charles waved away Sebastian’s compliment.

“They did amazing. Congratulations,” Sebastian said with a decisive nod.

“Charles!” a deep and familiar voice called across from the sea of people. Bone-deep recognition of knowing who spoke sent tingles up and down Sebastian’s back and softly pooled arousal and joy in his stomach.

“Looks like someone couldn’t stay away,” Charles teased.

“What do I do?” Sebastian whispered. This was not in his plans. He was not prepared.

“Say hi, be happy. Be you?” Charles answered, before patting his shoulder. “Incoming!”

“Oh, Sebastian, I didn’t think you’d be here.” Isadore covered his mouth with his hand as though in shock. Sebastian drank in his appearance, having never seen Isadore in dress clothes. His white silk shirt moulded to his body while his black pants looked like they were painted on. Because of his injury he wore clogs, which did not match his presented aesthetic. He was to die for, and Sebastian didn’t understand how to deal with all the emotions swirling around.

“Liar. What are you doing here?” Sebastian asked before kissing Isadore on the cheek. Normal people greeted other people with cheek kisses, right?

“I’m on a date as well. I decided if you could go out for the night, I could as well,” Isadore said with a grin.

“I just–”

“Isadore.”

Both Charles and Sebastian spoke at the same time.

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just you and Charles made this production sound like so much fun that Harry and I were jealous,” Isadore explained.

“Harry’s here? Dear god, why?” Charles pinched his nose before sighing. “He doesn’t have the attention span.”

“Because he was feeling left out, and he supports you,” Isadore chided. “But anyway, I just came over to say hi. Have fun. I’ll see you at the end?”

“Yeah, sounds like a plan.” Sebastian watched as Isadore walked away, his hands in his pockets. “Was he okay?”

“Oh, yeah. He’s showing you that he supports you and still gives you space,” Charles said. “Though I’ll have to apologize. I didn’t mean to be so catty about Harry.”

“Mistakes happen to everyone.” Sebastian offered. Charles didn’t feel bad either. “Words slip out before you have a chance to recall them.”

“Right? How dare social gaffes and blunders occur. All you can do is hope to be a good person.” The way Charles spoke was as though the message was for Sebastian, not himself.

“It’s hard.”

“As long as we try to be better every chance we get.” Charles led him to the theatre where many other people chatted while waiting for the house lights to dim.

“How’s your nana doing?” Sebastian changed the subject. The awkwardness between him and Isadore was raw. He was hoping to find his footing first through Charles and then Isadore. His goal was to show Isadore he could do this. But to have Isadore appear at the theatre where he was with another man—it threw everything out of whack, and he had returned to square one, anxious, worried, and dangerously close to believing the curse.

“She’s fine. She’s thrilled to see me get out of the house and into the dating pool. I didn’t have the heart to tell her this was all a sham.” Charles slumped into his chair, sharing with Sebastian that he was not as put together as he seemed.

“You have someone?” Sebastian asked with a delicate lilt. He wasn’t sure where he stood in regards to being in Charles’s confidence, but Charles seemed to need to unburden himself.

“Ehh, it’s nothing. They’re just—I don’t exist, but this isn’t the time nor place.” Charles smiled.

The house lights dimmed, and the panto began before Charles could finish his thought. Sebastian patted his arm and watched as the actors took to the stage. The panto was everything Sebastian had hoped for. He lost himself in the story and yelled at the characters like he was supposed to. His worries disappeared like smoke. Despite having worked on the set, Charles behaved as though he’d never seen the show, making everything more enjoyable.

During intermission, Charles vanished into the crush, suggesting to stay while he got them refreshments. Sebastian relaxed as the space emptied out. Quiet conversations filled the air as people chatted about the show or found old friends elsewhere in the audience. His eyes drifted shut while the chatter ebbed and flowed around him.

A rush of air warned him someone settled in Charles’s seat, and he sat up, ready to defend the chair. He gaped at Isadore relaxing beside him, a smirk ever-present on his mouth. “What are you doing here?”

Isadore had his leg stretched out in the aisle as he lounged. He was the epitome of a reformed rake. “Charles suggested it.”

“He did not.” Sebastian swirled around in his seat, searching the crowd for the tall blond man but not seeing him.

“He did so,” Isadore shot back. He tilted his head to the side. “You doing okay? You seem tired.”

“What? Oh, I’m fine. I’ve just been busy. Holidays bring out the crowds. People long all the books and movies.” Sebastian waved away Isadore’s concern. He didn’t need to know how many sleepless nights Sebastian had spent worrying about Isadore and what he meant to Sebastian. Examining his feelings was painful and not something he’d wished to do. “Anyway, they just flashed the lights. You should go to your spot.”

“We’ve traded dates,” Isadore said. “Don’t give me that look. This wasn’t our idea. It was his nan’s.”

“She did not. You probably saw the opportunity and took a chance. Charles has been looking forward to this evening for a while. I don’t want him to miss out on a good time.” Sebastian faced forward, unhappy with how this date had turned out. Rapid typing and constant vibrating warned him Isadore was furiously sending messages. A phone was thrust in his face, forcing him to read Charles’s text, which basically repeated what Isadore said.

“We aren’t going to ruin his night. I promise. Harry and I have a solid plan. We know how long and how hard Charles worked on this. I’d like to spend the rest of the evening with you. It was driving me bonkers seeing you and Charles chatting up here. The minute I found my seat, I realized maybe I made a teeny oops. I like the idea of you enjoying yourself with Charles. More friends are always better, in my humble opinion. However, I wished you were here with me. I’m sorry?” Isadore fluttered his eyelashes at Sebastian, causing him to giggle.

“Fine. I’m placing all blame on you if Harry does whatever Charles said Harry would do.” Sebastian acquiesced and tried not to inhale the lemony rich scent of Isadore’s cologne. The constant reminder Isadore was beside him enthralled Sebastian, so he barely watched the latter half of the play. As the panto ramped up the audience participation, he forgot himself and leaned toward Isadore, whispering his thoughts into his ear. Isadore rubbed a hand down his back, and Sebastian didn’t flinch or twist away. He certainly didn’t purr at the smooth glide or gentle scratch at the base of his neck.

They held hands until the last curtain call when everyone stood and cheered the cast. Sebastian swallowed the lump of emotions clogging his throat. This was his biggest dream come true. No one got hurt, physically or emotionally. He was happy, and he had a good time. All his worries had been pushed to the side, and it was so nice. Isadore squeezed his hand tight. “Please let me take you home. I miss seeing you every day.”

“But the sidewalk, your leg. I don’t want to chance it and then there’s Charles. He doesn’t deserve me dumping him.” Sebastian wavered. He liked hanging out with Charles, but this was Isadore, who soothed him and stirred him simultaneously.

“You are a dear, being concerned about everyone’s happiness. As long as I keep a steady pace, my leg will be fine. Besides, we’re going to meet with Charles and Harry in the lobby.” Isadore stretched his leg out before standing. “I was waiting 'til the theatre was a bit emptier before we attempted to leave.”

“How is your leg doing?" Sebastian asked. "You’ve never actually said.”

“It’s fine. Lord Typhon did a fantastic job. Though, the fucker aches when the weather changes. Walking can be a bit hazardous. Like my ankle will roll at any given moment.”

“See! This is the exact reason why I don’t want you to come home with me. What if–”

“Shh, Sebastian. I’m fine. It’s okay.” Isadore patted Sebastian with gentle touches.

“I’m sorry. I just worry.” Sebastian hated bringing Isadore down. And this was supposed to be when he, himself, was carefree. “I’ll get better with the stress and anxiety. You won’t have to do your thing.”

“Sebastian, you’ve already made such amazing progress. You’re fine as you are. And I love how caring you are. If you want to become happier or more settled because it’s your goal, good. But don’t change because of me.”

“I’d like to be more confident,” Sebastian mumbled. He’d love it if he was the self-assured man Isadore was. Then he wouldn’t feel so awkward and ready to hide every moment.

“You will. Takes time and positive thoughts. Like me. I am positive that soon you’ll invite me over to your place for a stay-at-home date.” Isadore looped his hand through the crook of Sebastian’s arm, and they walked together toward the lobby.

“I don’t think I’m ready.”

“Not for a true-true stay-at-home date, like the kind you’re thinking of, but a milder one, for sure you are.” Isadore’s unfazed smile was astounding, but Sebastian believed him. Sebastian gave him an awkward side hug and prayed Isadore understood the message.

“If that’s what you believe.”

“I do. Now, let’s say hello to Charles and Harry. They look like they’re dying to chat with us.” Isadore’s pace changed to a hurried walk as they approached his best friends.

Charles held Sebastian’s coat in his hands as he joined the circle. Harry was talking a mile a minute about the set decor and the actors themselves. A faint expression of pride was evident. Despite his comments earlier about Harry ruining his evening, Charles appeared content. “How was the rest of the play, Sebastian?”

“Well, my date left me in the middle and then this strange guy sat beside me,” Sebastian teased, though he braced himself for the fallout. Sometimes, he hit the wrong note in the conversation and people didn’t appreciate his humour.

“It seemed like you hated the attention.” Charles laughed.

“He totally did. Tried to escape. Huge ordeal.” Isadore elbowed Sebastian in the side. Everyone chuckled, including Sebastian. This was what he'd prayed for, dreamt about, and now Sebastian was part of a friend unit. This was the blessing of perseverance. He stared at the ground for a minute, a little overwhelmed with the concept of this new world. The patterned carpet helped steady him.

“Oh, ho! Run, Sebastian, while you still can. This gremlin has ideas and then it's all downhill from here for you!” Harry, the bigger man with the on-point clothing choices, hooted. Charles glanced at him with a raised eyebrow before he settled down.

“Ignore him. Harry has no tact,” Isadore ordered. “What are you two up to now?”

“We were going to go to the café and then head home. Harry has an early day. And you?” Charles asked.

“You know Isadorable wants to come with us and hang out. We are the better part of his night. Why, just before you decided to do the ol’ switcheroo, he was telling me?—“

“Harry, shut up,” Both Isadore and Charles said together. They smirked as their eyes met. Sebastian chuckled, but the camaraderie between the trio was strong, and he was feeling like a fourth wheel.

“We’d love it if you stayed with us for a bit. I don’t think we’ve had a proper conversation with Sebastian without one of you having to run off to work. Unless you have other, more nefarious plans?” Charles asked, meeting both Sebastian and Isadore’s eyes.

Sebastian’s cheeks heated up. Charles’s suggestion riffing off what Isadore asked earlier was unexpected. He didn’t know how to answer, and he didn’t want to be wrong.

“Sure, we’ll come. I’d like to hear your opinion on the show. They did a good job?” Isadore asked, removing the pressure from Sebastian.

“Oh definitely.”

Sebastian blinked at how easily they segued into a different conversation without jeering commentary or hurtful words. Maybe he had been hanging out with the wrong people.

“What? Wait, hold up there, Isadorable. We’re kidding.” Harry stopped them in the middle of the wide sidewalk. “This is your fancy date. Don’t let us ruin it for you.”

“But we’d like to have coffee with you,” Sebastian answered. He scratched his head as he tried to understand what Harry was doing.

“Dude, I’d love to chat with you a while longer too, but not now. You two deserve to have this picture-perfect date end. All your sappy-happy juices are flowing, and there’s a full moon. This is the walk- home night of the century. We were pulling your leg. Geez, Chuck, take me home.” With a flourish, Harry spun around and snapped his fingers. Charles saluted Isadore and Sebastian before catching up.

“What just happened?” Sebastian asked.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Come on, you have to escort me to my house now. My ride just buggered off.” Isadore gazed at Sebastian with such adoration and love that Sebastian ducked his head away from the warmth. He didn’t deserve this. Not after everything he’d done wrong. “Stop thinking about it, Bas. Or I’ll do something so awful…”

“You’d never!” Sebastian straightened up and glared. The smirk was there. Isadore had said what he had on purpose. “Fine. But it’ll take a while. I’ve got these demons in my head.”

“As long as they’re not real demons.” Isadore drew Sebastian into a hug. “You are doing fantastic. A few hiccups along the way are expected as long as you recognize them for what they are. Bad and intrusive thoughts.”

“You are the—I really like you.” Sebastian swallowed before continuing. “I don’t know how you manage to keep me sane. Thank you for being so strong. You are the best person in Granite, and I’m so glad I met you.”